Classical Rhine and Switzerland Extension

Founded as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age as a result of its innovative developments in trade. Today, the city has one of the largest historic centers in Europe, with about 7,500 registered historic buildings. The street pattern is largely unchanged since the 19th century. The center consists of 90 islands, linked by 1.300 bridges. On the city tour through the Dutch metropolis, you will see the Maritime Museum, the Jewish Quarter and the Museum Quarter. As there is no better way to see the city than cruising on the water, the tour will end by a canal cruise boat trip.

Cologne is a city with a history spanning over 2,000 years, and traces of its rich past can be seen throughout the Rhine region. On this walking tour, explore the Cologne Cathedral and the charming old town. As you wander through the narrow cobbled streets and lively squares such as the Alter Markt and Heumarkt, you’ll get a true sense of life in Cologne, both past and present.

Step inside the cathedral (subject to opening hours and religious services) to admire its stunning Gothic architecture. With its twin towers soaring 157 meters, the Cologne Cathedral has been the city’s iconic landmark since its completion in 1880 and remains Germany’s most-visited attraction. At the end of the tour, enjoy a refreshing glass of Kölsch, the signature beer of Cologne and the surrounding Rhineland, as you soak in the atmosphere of this historic city.

See Cologne from a new perspective on this guided e-bike tour, which takes you along scenic routes and past the city’s most iconic landmarks. Travel through the city’s history from Roman times to the Middle Ages and into the modern era, while your guide shares fascinating historical facts and entertaining anecdotes about Germany’s oldest city.

Ride through historic streets, modern districts, and along the Rhine, discovering both Cologne’s famous highlights and lesser-known spots off the beaten track. Highlights include the impressive Cologne Cathedral, the Zoo Bridge, the Hohenzollern Bridge, and the green Rheinpark. This active yet leisurely tour allows you to comfortably cover more ground while enjoying fresh air and panoramic views, making it an ideal way to combine insightful sightseeing with gentle exercise.

Level: ACTIVE, Easy
Distance: approx. 15km / 9.5miles

The harmonious combination of the unique Moselle landscape, centuries-old vineyards, and rich cultural heritage makes Cochem a particularly popular destination. Explore the town on a walking tour through its narrow, winding streets and soak up its charming atmosphere.

During the excursion, you will also have the opportunity to visit Cochem Castle. Perched high on a rugged cliff, this impressive fortress dominates the town’s skyline. From the castle, enjoy breathtaking views of the Moselle Valley, with its dreamy mixed forests and terraced vineyards – a truly unforgettable sight.

Please note: Visit to Cochem Castle is subject to availability.

Visit one of the wineries located directly in the town of Cochem and learn more about viticulture and wine cellar management. The Moselle region is famous for its top wines with the most traditional grape variety being the Riesling, which is also called "the queen of white wines" and is grown directly on the sunny slopes of Cochem. During the excursion you can taste different Moselle wines and learn more about the wine making process.

Discover one of the most pedestrian-friendly and oldest towns in Germany, with over 2,000 years of history. On our guided walk through the romantic streets between the St. Castor Basilica and the Liebfrauenkirche (the Church of our Beloved Lady) you will discover the most important sights of Koblenz and the town’s landmark, the Schängel Fountain at the town hall. This tour would not be complete without a visit to the Memorial of Emperor Wilhelm at the famous German Corner where the rivers Rhine and Moselle meet. See the cable car that hovers over the Rhine, built as an attraction and ecologically friendly traffic facility for the Federal Horticultural Show in 2011. This is Germany’s first 3-rope cable car with a transport capacity of 7600 people per hour.

The unique Winzerexpress train takes you from the dock of the ship to the "Siegfried Mechanical Music Cabinet" for a musical adventure with historical self-playing instruments. Continue your guided tour with a walk through the picturesque town. Explore the heart of the old town of Rüdesheim - the Drosselgasse - where wine houses and garden taverns invite you to linger. Immerse yourself in the history of the city and visit the Eagle Tower, a part of the city wall, and the fortifications from the 15th century.

Join soprano Bethany Barber on a musical journey along the Rhine! Through the music of composers such as Beethoven, the Schumanns, Offenbach, and more—the real-life legends with connections to the Rhine—she’ll sing you the myths and stories that make this river so special.

A comfortable coach will take you to Heidelberg, the world famous University City on the Neckar River. The town is one of the few German cities with a widely preserved baroque Old Town. Heidelberg was discovered quite early by romantics to use for diverse literature, songs and paintings. The tour through Heidelberg begins with a visit to the castle. The formerly splendid residence made of red sandstone has been a ruin, maybe the most beautiful ruin in all of Germany. The castle tour leads also into the castle garden. From the Grand Terrace you will have a wonderful view of the city and the Neckar River. The tour continues with a stroll through the enchanting old town, to the Karl-Theodor Bridge, the late-gothic Church of the Holy Spirit and the town hall.

Embark on a scenic hike along Heidelberg’s legendary Philosophenweg (Philosophers’ Walk), a picturesque trail offering breathtaking views of the old town, the Neckar River, and the majestic Heidelberg Castle. As you walk, your guide will share fascinating stories about the city’s rich history, its world-renowned university, and the philosophers, poets, and writers who once wandered these very paths.

This hike is a perfect blend of nature and culture, allowing you to enjoy Heidelberg’s stunning landscapes while delving into its intellectual and artistic heritage.

Level: ACTIVE, Moderate
Distance: approx. 5,5km / 3.5miles

Speyer, the time-honored imperial city on the Rhine, looks back on a rich and eventful past. Historic testimonies of ecclesiastical architecture, façades of different building epochs, winding alleys and romantic squares characterize the face of the city today. On today’s walking tour, pass by the Romanesque Imperial cathedral with its striking twin-towered portal, the Old Gate of Speyer and passy by the revered baroque Church of the Holy Spirit. Continue with a visit to the medieval Judenhof, one of the most important Jewish medieval sites in Germany. The Jewish community had a storied history in Speyer reaching back over 1,000 years. View the remains of the Jewish courtyard, which was the central area of the Jewish quarter and consisted of the synagogues, and a ritual bath (Mikveh). Speyer calls itself the “Brezelstadt” or “Pretzel Town”, at the end of your walk make a stop at a local shop for a pretzel to snack on as you explore the town on your own before returning to the vessel.

Enjoy a discovery tour through the beautiful city of Strasbourg. After a short coach trip through the city, the tour continues with a walk through the lovely, historic old part of the town and includes a visit to the famous cathedral Straßburger Münster (not possible on Sundays and public holidays, sometimes with security check). During a boat cruise on the river, discover the famous quarter, “Petite France”. This former mill and tanner district still maintains its medieval charm. Some of the beautiful, half-timbered houses on the banks of the river Ill are up to 500 years old. You will enjoy Strasbourg’s half-timbered houses, the Ponts Couverts, the Palais de Rohan, the Council of Europe and all the other wonders that Strasbourg holds in store for you.

Learn important, humorous and interesting facts about Lucerne's history, churches, bridges, narrow streets, towers, squares and, of course, Lucerne's trademark – the Chapel Bridge with Water Tower. See the 14th century Chapel Bridge with its Water Tower, part of the city’s fortifications and Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge, the Baroque Jesuit Church and nearby Franciscan Church from the 14th century. Continue to the Spreuer Bridge with its ‘Dance of Death’ paintings, on to the Musegg Wall with the rampart walls built in 1386. See the Old City squares with historical buildings, the Town Hall in Italian Renaissance style with open arcades facing the River Reuss. Go on to the Hof Church, the main Cathedral and also the most important Renaissance Church in Switzerland, see the Lion Monument, memorializing the Swiss Guards who defended the Royal Palace in Versailles during the French Revolution. Also see the KKL – Lucerne’s Culture and Convention Center of the Parisian architect Jean Nouvel.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of central Switzerland on this half-day excursion to Mount Pilatus. Begin your journey with a scenic drive along Lake Lucerne to Alpnachstad, where you’ll board the world’s steepest cogwheel railway. As the train ascends the mountainside, enjoy spectacular views of alpine meadows, rugged cliffs, and snow-capped peaks.
Upon reaching the summit of Mt. Pilatus (2,132 m), take in the panoramic vistas over Lake Lucerne and the surrounding mountain ranges. Whether you choose to explore the walking paths, visit the viewing platforms, or simply relax at the summit, this is a moment to remember. Your descent begins with a ride on the aerial gondola, offering another perspective of this dramatic landscape. In Kriens, your coach will be waiting to take you back to Lucerne, completing a circular route filled with unforgettable Swiss scenery.

The walking tour will give you a good general idea of Zurich in all its aspects: through the business and shopping centre (famous Bahnhofstrasse) and the Old town. Continue to the vantage point Lindenhof – beneath this elevated square in the city centre are the ruins of a Roman customs post, and a late Roman fortress. This spot also offers magnificent views over the old town. Continue to Neumarkt and Spiegelgasse. The Neumarkt (New Market) was just outside the old city wall. The tower at the end of the street was built as a residence for rich nobility. And history was written in Spiegelgasse: no. 14 was where Lenin prepared the Revolution. You will also see the Grossmünster – the symbol of the city with its distinctive twin towers, and St. Peter’s – the biggest church clock face in Europe. See the Town Hall, Zürich’s baroque town hall dates back to 1694/98, built under the direction of councilman J.H. Holzhalb. Its interior remains as well preserved as its façade. The tour will end at the Schipfe – a street of artisans at the river Limmat – in one of Zürich’s oldest districts.